Hyeong (Patterns)

In the Han Tae Kwon-Do Alliance, there are 24 patterns, one for each hour of the day. Each one has a meaning; elements are often symbolic of events in Korean history. For example, in Hwa-Rang (created by Grandmaster Han Cha Kyo) the name refers to the Hwa-Rang / 화랑 group which existed in the Silla / 신라 dynasty in the 7th century and which practiced Taek-Gyeon / 택견, the precursor of Tae Kwon Do; and the 29 steps refers to the 29th Infantry Division where General Choi Hong Hi / 최홍희 began to develop modern Tae Kwon Do in the 20th century.

The use of the yell / ki-hap / 기합 in patterns varies from school to school. Listed here are the kihaps as taught at Han's Tae Kwon Do, where kihaps are done at various points within the patterns, and on the last move of a pattern only if that move is an attack (punch, kick, strike) -- not if the last move is a block. Your school may do a kihap on the last move of every pattern, or not at all, or at varying places within the patterns.

A right L-stance is one in which the body faces to the right. Thus, the left leg is forward in a right L-stance. Conversely, in a right walking-stance, the right leg is forward.

Hyeong / 형 is one Korean term for "pattern"; another that is sometimes used in Tae Kwon Do is teul / 틀.

Rules for Performing Patterns:

1. Pattern should begin and end at the same spot.
2. Correct posture and facing must be maintained at all times.
3. The muscles of the body should be tensed or relaxed at the critical moments in the exercise.
4. The exercise should be performed in a rhythmic manner with an absence of stiffness.
5. Movement should be accelerated and decelerated at the appropriate times.
6. Each pattern should be perfected before going on to the next.
7. Know the purpose of each movement.
8. Perform each movement with realism.

Also, in the HTA, one maintains one's head at the same height when going from one move to the next, unless specifically indicated. Some practitioners perform the patterns with the so-called "sine wave", standing up between moves.

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Four-directional punch / Four-directional kick